November 26, 2015

power cuts and electricity blackouts

We’ve become accustomed to a reliable supply of electricity, but short, local power cuts still occur. And every year at this time we hear questions about whether we have enough power station capacity to meet demand – and about the risks of the ‘lights going out’.

What causes power cuts and what can we expect in future? What will be the impact on reliability from changes in the electricity system from renewables and new nuclear, as well as the phasing out of coal power stations by 2025? What role will smart systems play, and what measures will be used to balance demand as well as supply?

A new briefing document prepared by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) explores these questions and addresses the myths and truths about power cuts and blackouts.

Speakers:

Dr Simon Harrison CEng FIET and Mott Macdonald

Prof. Roger Kemp FREng CEng FIET, Professor of Engineering at Lancaster University

Dave Openshaw CEng FIET

Dr Robert Sansom CEng FIET